CATEGORY · FRESH AIR INCLUDED

Gardens & Arboretums in Leeds

There's only one entry in this category near Leeds, but it's a proper one. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is a drive out to Ripon, about 36 km from the centre, so it's a longer trip rather than a quick afternoon. Once you're there, though, it's lakes, lawns and abbey ruins spread over enough ground for a genuine half-day wander, not a quick stroll round a flowerbed. Entry starts from £10.50, and with toilets, parking, a cafe, picnic areas, wheelchair access and dogs welcome, it's set up for a full day rather than a fleeting visit. Toddlers can manage the flatter paths near the water garden, while older kids will have space to explore the ruins properly. Pack a picnic or eat at the cafe, and give yourself more time than you think, because there's a lot of ground to cover.

3 places 3 upcoming events From £10

What's on: gardens & arboretums

WED 7 OCT, 10:30

Community Birdwatch

Yorkshire Museum

Free

Grand stately home with formal gardens, manicured lawns and tree-lined grounds stretching into the distance.

THU 8 OCT · +17 MORE DATES

Meet the Gardeners

Harewood Castle

Free

SAT 17 OCT · +1 MORE DATE

A Garden's Journey: Looking back, Growing Forward

Harewood Castle

Places for gardens & arboretums

⇅

from £20

Dean's Park

York · ages 0-17

A cathedral visit that doubles as a history lesson, with a museum, a 275-step tower climb and a year-long ticket to come back to.

Accessible toiletBaby changeBreastfeeding friendlyGift shop+5 more

Autumn landscape with tree-lined river, manicured lawns, and historic ruins visible in the distance.

from £10.50

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Ripon

Abbey ruins and water garden near Ripon - lakes, lawns and a proper half-day wander.

ToiletsParkingCaféPicnic area+2 more

White trillium flowers blooming amongst broad green leaves in a garden bed.

from £10

York Gate Garden

Leeds

A series of small, distinct garden rooms to wander through, with children under 16 let in free.

Accessible toiletBaby changeCaféParking+1 more

Good to know: gardens & arboretums in Leeds

What does a paid visit cost?

Paid entry starts from £10 at York Gate Garden. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.

Which ones are indoor?

Dean's Park is indoor, good to keep up your sleeve for a rainy day.

Whereabouts are they?

You'll find gardens & arboretums in York, Ripon and Leeds. Every place we list is in or around Leeds, and each listing has the full address and directions.